Commit to Lifelong Learning
"perpetuam uitae doctrina!"
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow.
Learn as if you were to live forever."
Mahatma Gandhi.

Try a Lifelong Learning Institute
Enrich Your Life! We are here to point you in the right direction and cheer you on.
Keep on learning and remain socially engaged, join a Lifelong Learning Institute!

Learn, make friends, network! Join a Lifelong Learning Institute!
What are Lifelong Learning Institutes?
"A Lifelong Learning Institute is an organized group of people (usually) over 50 years of age who meet frequently for college-level study just for its intellectual challenge and social enjoyment." Source: WikipediA.
So many adults around the world desire to remain intellectually challenged and socially engaged as they age. Lifelong Learning Institutes (as they are called in the United States of America) provide the facilities to support such senior citizens.
In the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, Lifelong Learning Institutes are often called University of the Third Age (U3A) groups. Here the "Third Age" refers to the period in a person's life, that comes after the working and child-rearing phases end. Here is what the ageuk.org.uk web site says about U3A:
"U3A is a nationwide network of learning groups aimed at encouraging older people to share their knowledge, skills and interests in a friendly environment.
There are no exams and no homework, just regular lessons or study groups. It's learning for fun, not with the aim of gaining qualifications."
Third Age Network (TAN) - Ontario, Canada.
"The Third Age Network (TAN) is a network of THIRD AGE LEARNING groups in Ontario.
Third Age learning usually occurs in the retirement years for those who want to keep their brains and bodies active and meet stimulating new friends."
Although there is no lower age-limit for joining a Lifelong Learning Institute, most participants tend to be semi-retired or retired.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes represent the largest network of institutes for seniors in the United States. The National Resource Center for this organization (Osher NRC) is currently (2023) based at Northwestern University. All Osher institutes are affiliated in some way to an institution of higher learning in the United States. Osher NRC has produced a very useful "Lifelong Learning Institute Directory".
Of course, there are also private, stand-alone Lifelong Learning institutes, not affiliated with a college.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes

The National Resource Center for Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (Osher NRC).
Directory of Lifelong Learning Institutes in the United States.
In 2018, Osher NRC compiled a wonderful directory of Lifelong Learning Institutes in the United States. This directory consists of a listing of all Osher institutes as well as a number of private institutes.
Each Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is currently affiliated with an institution of higher learning in the United States of America.
The Benefits of Joining a Lifelong Learning Institute.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- A lifelong learning institute provides opportunities to learn new things
- It helps you stay sharp and focused
- You can make friends and network
- It can give you a sense of purpose
- It can help you stay physically active
- It can improve your mental health
The importance of Lifelong Learning Institutes cannot be overstated. As we age, it is vital to stay active and engaged, both mentally and socially. Joining a Lifelong Learning Institute is an ideal way to do just that, providing opportunities for intellectual and social growth.
Once again, Lifelong Learning Institutes offer educational courses and programs, but they also provide social engagement with others who share your interests.
On this page, we will explore the many benefits of joining a Lifelong Learning Institute.
Learning for personal fulfillment is an important aspect of life, especially as we age. Joining a lifelong learning institute provides an opportunity to participate in intellectually stimulating activities and take classes in a variety of topics. Whether it’s a one-time class or an ongoing program, you can learn something new while also having fun. These opportunities are particularly beneficial for senior citizens who may be feeling bored or lonely.
Fostering brain health is another great reason to join a lifelong learning institute. Studies show that cognitive stimulation can have a positive effect on brain health and protect against age-related memory decline. The stimulating environment of a lifelong learning institute provides a great opportunity to practice cognitive exercises and keep your brain sharp.
Lifelong learning institutes provide a host of opportunities for retirees.
After retirement, some people experience difficulty transitioning into their new roles, so joining a learning institute can provide them with a sense of purpose and community. By taking part in activities and classes, seniors can continue to feel productive and connected to the larger world.
No matter your age or background, a lifelong learning institute is an excellent way to stay mentally and physically active and gain access to unique learning opportunities.
Getting enough sleep is key to improving memory, as it helps to consolidate information and strengthen the connections between neurons in your brain. Sleep deprivation can lead to difficulty concentrating and poor recall of previously learned material. Without adequate rest, you will find it difficult to learn new concepts or perform mental exercises.
A good night's rest can also improve your brain health, delay dementia, and even improve your quality of life. Studies have shown that those who get 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night have better memories than those who don't get enough rest.
Making sure you get a good night's rest is essential to keeping your memory sharp. Additionally, it can give you more energy for lifelong learning, which can help to improve your recall of new concepts. Sleep is made up of different stages, including light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep.
According to sleep expert Dr. Robert Stickgold, "When we first form memories, they're in a very raw and fragile form." Getting enough sleep is essential to strengthening and linking those memories. In addition, restoring sleep might improve memory in older people. As Dr. Stickgold advises, "Realize that the sleep you get the night after you study is at least as important as the sleep you get the night before you study. When it comes to sleep and memory, you get very little benefit from cutting corners."
Joining a Lifelong Learning Institute can help you stay sharp and focused by providing numerous learning opportunities.
Whether you are looking to learn for personal fulfillment, or if you are a senior citizen looking to stay connected, or a retiree searching for new learning opportunities, there are a multitude of programs offered through the institute. These can range from traditional academic courses to recreational classes such as yoga and fitness, cooking, and art classes.
Additionally, participating in these activities can be good for your brain health, as it helps increase your focus, memory and mental agility. With so many opportunities for learning and development, a Lifelong Learning Institute is the perfect way to stay sharp and focused.
Joining a lifelong learning institute is an excellent way to build meaningful relationships and expand your social network. It gives you the chance to meet and collaborate with other like-minded individuals who are on the same journey of personal growth. You can discuss topics that interest you and learn from each other’s experiences. This beneficial for developing relationships, and can also lead to career opportunities.
Many lifelong learning institutes provide learning opportunities for seniors, retirees, and those seeking personal fulfillment. By engaging with others, you can broaden your knowledge and stay connected.
Making friends in a lifelong learning institute can help to improve your mental health, as it promotes a sense of belonging and community. Ultimately, joining a lifelong learning institute is an excellent way to make new friends, network, and learn more about yourself and the world around you. It also provides invaluable learning opportunities for brain health, enabling you to stay sharp and focused.
Being part of a Lifelong Learning Institute offers a unique opportunity to gain a sense of purpose through learning. It's important to find ways to maintain a sense of purpose and motivation as we age, and a Lifelong Learning Institute can be an ideal place to do just that.
Whether you are learning for personal fulfillment, as many senior citizens and retirees do, or for brain health, a Lifelong Learning Institute can provide an ideal platform to nurture this sense of purpose.
You can attend courses to learn about topics of interest or develop skills to help you in your work and everyday life. There are also often community activities and events for members to enjoy, providing the chance to socialize and make friends.
As a member of a Lifelong Learning Institute, you are actively taking steps to keep your mind active, expanding your knowledge and social networks. And with all these benefits, it is no wonder that so many people find that it gives them a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
It can help you stay physically active
When you join a Lifelong Learning Institute you have opportunities to stay physically active. Participating in classes and activities that promote learning for personal fulfillment, brain health, and physical activity can be incredibly beneficial for your overall well-being.
Activities such as dance classes, art classes, and sport-based classes can provide an excellent way to engage in physical activity. The benefits of physical activity are numerous, from improving cardiovascular health to reducing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and stroke.
Engaging in physical activity can also lead to increased self-confidence, improved mood, better sleep quality, and more energy. By participating in classes and activities offered at a Lifelong Learning Institute, you will have the opportunity to engage in physical activity while still learning something new.
It can improve your mental health
Participating in a Lifelong Learning Institute offers many benefits, including improved mental health. Learning new things and expanding your knowledge can provide a sense of purpose, increased self-confidence, and a greater sense of personal fulfillment. This is especially true for senior citizens or retirees who may be facing retirement, or no longer working. The opportunities provided by these institutes to stay engaged in learning can help combat loneliness, depression, and boredom.
Studies have shown that learning new things can help to improve brain health, even for those of advanced age. Research has suggested that activities like reading, writing, playing word games, and completing puzzles can stimulate the brain and keep it functioning optimally.
Joining a Lifelong Learning Institute gives you access to countless learning opportunities specifically designed for seniors and retirees that can help keep your brain active and healthy.
Here are links to a sampling of Lifelong Learning Institutes.
List of Services
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Brooklyn Lifelong Learning: Brooklyn College; City University of New York.List Item 1
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The Academy of Lifelong Learning: New York University, New York CityList Item 2
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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UCLAList Item 3
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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute: University of Texas at AustinList Item 4
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The Life Institute: Toronto Metropolitan University
Unleash Your Potential with Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes
Are you looking for an exciting new way to learn and challenge yourself? Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLI) are the perfect way to do just that! OLLI is a nationwide organization dedicated to providing engaging learning experiences for adults over 50. With an emphasis on creativity, exploration, and personal growth, OLLI provides an enriching and stimulating learning environment. In this blog post, we’ll explore what makes OLLI such a unique and rewarding educational experience.
What are Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes?
Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLI) are a network of educational programs designed for individuals aged 50 and above who want to continue their intellectual and social growth. The institutes offer a variety of courses, seminars, lectures, and activities in areas such as history, literature, science, art, music, and current events.
OLLI is supported by the Bernard Osher Foundation, which has awarded grants to more than 120 universities and colleges across the United States to create or enhance lifelong learning programs. As a result, OLLI programs have been established in many states, including California, Oregon, Washington, Illinois, Virginia, and Florida.
OLLI programs are unique in that they are developed and led by older adults for older adults. The courses are designed to be engaging, stimulating, and challenging, providing a platform for seniors to share their knowledge and experience with one another. The courses are taught by retired professionals, university faculty members, and community experts.
The focus of OLLI is on creating a supportive community of lifelong learners who share a passion for intellectual exploration and personal growth. OLLI programs are not designed to lead to a degree or certificate; rather, they are designed to promote personal fulfillment and enriching experiences for their participants.
Overall, Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes offer a unique opportunity for seniors to continue their intellectual and social growth, explore new ideas and interests, and engage with like-minded individuals in a supportive and stimulating environment.
Benefits of Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes
As you age, it's important to continue learning new things to stay mentally sharp and engaged in life. That's where Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes come in. Here are just a few of the benefits of participating in an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute:
1. Stay Active: Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes offer a wide variety of classes that will challenge you mentally and keep you physically active.
2. Make New Friends: Meeting new people who share your interests can be difficult as you get older, but Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes provide a welcoming environment to connect with others and build new friendships.
3. Learn New Skills: Whether you're interested in learning a new language, taking up a new hobby, or improving your computer skills, Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes offer a wide variety of courses to help you expand your knowledge and abilities.
4. Stay Relevant: With classes on everything from current events to technology trends, Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes can help you stay up-to-date on the latest news and developments in the world.
5. Enjoy Life More: When you're constantly learning and growing, life becomes more interesting and fulfilling. By participating in an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, you can unleash your potential and enjoy all that life has to offer.
So if you're looking to stay active, make new friends, learn new skills, stay relevant, and enjoy life more, consider joining an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute today!
Research and Resources
Adult Learning Australia (ALA)
Adult Learning Australia (ALA) is a member-funded organizations dedicated to providing lifelong and lifewide learning opportunities to all Australian adults; regardless of their station in life. Learn more >>
Lifelong Learning Centers in Australia.
Here are a few centers for Lifelong Learning found in Australia
Lifelong Learning Centers in New Zealand.
Here are a few of the centers of lifelong learning found in New Zealand.
- Lifelong Learning | University of Canterbury
- Lifelong Learning - The University of Auckland
- Carey Centre for Lifelong Learning
- Lifelong Learning - Victoria University of Wellington
- Adult Learning - The University of Waikato